MLB Player News

Soler is not in the starting lineup Monday versus the Royals, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Soler will get a day off after he went 2-for-11 with a double, an RBI, a run scored and four strikeouts over the three-game series with the Athletics. Garrett Cooper will take over at designated hitter and bat third against Kansas City.

Baker is starting at designated hitter and batting fifth on Monday versus the Rangers, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Baker collected two singles in his major-league debut Sunday in Pittsburgh and is back in there Monday against southpaw Martin Perez. Most of Baker's playing time could come versus lefties, although some DH at-bats could be had against righties, too, with Nolan Gorman playing more second base of late.

Manager Brian Snitker confirmed after Sunday's 8-5 victory over the Diamondbacks that Ozuna was removed in the sixth inning of the contest due to a lack of hustle, John Marshall of the Associated Press reports. "I guarantee he feels worse than I do for having to take him out," Snitker said.

After reaching base on a walk in the top of the second inning, Ozuna returned to the plate in the fourth inning and belted a Zac Gallen pitch to deep center for what appeared to be a potential home run. However, the ball instead hit an overhang on the outfield wall just below the line for a home run, and Ozuna had to settle for a 415-foot single after he didn't run at full speed out of the batter's box. Based on Snitkner's comments, Ozuna seems to have been contrite about the lack of hustle, so the 32-year-old likely won't be in line for a prolonged benching.

Baker went 2-for-4 in Sunday's 2-1 loss to the Pirates.

Baker found some success in his major-league debut, as he was one of just three Cardinals to hit safely in the game. The first baseman has thrived with a refined approach at the plate this season, posting a 17.8 percent walk rate and 21.7 percent strikeout rate along with a .313/.434/.641 slash line and 18 home runs in 54 games with Triple-A Memphis. It's unclear how much playing time he'll get between first base and designated hitter -- he was at the latter position Sunday, and that may be his best path into the lineup. He may have to initially settle for a short-side platoon role, as it's unlikely Baker will hit well enough to cut into Paul Goldschmidt's playing time.

The Giants expect Pederson (hand) to return from the 10-day injured list ahead of Tuesday's series opener in Colorado, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

On the shelf since May 15 with a right hand contusion, Pederson is nearing the finish line in his recovery from the injury after he headed out on a minor-league rehab assignment with Single-A San Jose this weekend. Assuming he comes out of Sunday's game with San Jose no worse for the wear, Pederson should reclaim a role with the Giants as a strong-side platoon option at designated hitter once activated.

Vogelbach is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays.

Vogelbach is just 3-for-27 over his past 12 games but continues to see regular action as the Mets' designated hitter. Mark Vientos will receive the start Sunday with lefty Yusei Kikuchi on the mound for Toronto.

Blackmon is out of the lineup for Sunday's game versus the Royals.

Blackmon is 2-for-14 since returning from the bereavement list Thursday and will take a seat for Sunday's series finale in Kansas City. Elehuris Montero will serve as the designated hitter while Brenton Doyle steps into the leadoff spot.

McCutchen is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

With the series finale beginning at 11:35 a.m. ET, the 36-year-old McCutchen is on the bench in what most likely amounts to a veteran's day off. Bryan Reynolds will get a day out of the outfield and replace McCutchen as the Bucs' designated hitter.

The Cardinals selected Baker's contract from Triple-A Memphis on Sunday. He'll serve as St. Louis' designated hitter and No. 7 batter in his MLB debut in the Cardinals' series finale versus the Pirates and left-hander Rich Hill.

The 26-year-old earned his first big-league call-up after slashing .313/.434/.641 with 29 extra-base hits (18 home runs, 11 doubles) to go with an impressive 17.8 percent walk rate and 21.7 percent strikeout rate over 244 plate appearances with Memphis. Though his bat certainly looks big-league ready, Baker's lack of defensive flexibility may hurt his chances of earning a permanent role with the Cardinals. He's played only at first base in the minors, and with reigning National League MVP Paul Goldschmidt already entrenched at that position, Baker's path to playing time will likely come solely at designated hitter. Baker is further hurt by the fact that he's a right-handed hitter, potentially relegating him to the short side of a platoon.

Morel is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Padres.

Morel has not picked up a hit since May 26 against the Reds, and he's seen his average drop from .333 to .270 in the process. Edwin Rios will be the designated hitter and hit seventh against San Diego while Morel sits.